Tips for setting up preventive maintenance plan for optimum results

Studies have revealed that preventive maintenance plan can increase the Return on Investment by several times (as much as 545% according to reliable sources).

As such, not investing in this maintenance schedule is perhaps not a sensible move especially of you have envisaged certain objectives and goals for your organization.

These days you will find that most of the corporate stalwarts have already implemented this maintenance schedule and are reaping the benefits of the investment.

Why it makes sense in investing in preventive maintenance plan?

There are several reasons why companies invest in this and few of the reasons are as follows-

Your equipments and machinery remain in perfect condition

You are able to do a better accounting of the assets of your company

Your company experiences infrequent downtime

Since downtime is less, the manufacturing process continues smoothly without hitches and glitches

The longevity of the machines increases

You don’t have to suffer major breakdown as you are taking care of the machinery well in advance and much before they break down (hence the name preventive maintenance)

However, no matter how many benefits you enjoy, implementing the system correctly determines to a great extent the success of preventive maintenance plan. In the paragraphs that follow, let us find out how you can exactly execute the plan.

How to set up PM judiciously?

Ideally it would be to take a step at a time. So, to start with you have to make sure that the plan is entrusted in the hands of responsible and the right set of people. The important people that you must include in your team are maintenance managers, top management, and maintenance technicians.

Whom to include

Most importantly, the people you take onboard must understand the reason why you are investing in this plan. The effectiveness of the plan lies in the fact that it is empowered by CMMS software or Computerized Maintenance Management System. The people you choose should be well versed in data processing, accounting, and technicians.

Work out the objectives of the plan

Unless you are sure about your goals, you will not be able to steer the team to attain the goals and fulfill the vision and mission of your team. Sit down with all your team members and note down the points why you want to invest in the PM plan.

Take account of your assets and machinery

Another essential aspect that you have to take into account is to make a list of your assets and inventory. Tag the equipments, list down the details of each asset. For instance, you must write down the date of purchase, date of installation, last maintenance schedule details, cost, model number, and technical specifications for each asset. Maintain the records accurately.

Prioritize maintenance plan

Since there are so many assets or machinery and equipments to take care of, it is not possible to carry out preventive maintenance of every asset each and every time. As such, it is best to make a list of those assets that require immediate attention.

It makes sense in including any asset in your list of maintenance schedule only if the costs involved in repairing the equipment are very high, the maintenance schedule has to be carried out at frequent intervals, and last but not the least, the particular equipment in question is very important as far as production is concerned (if it is a manufacturing unit equipment you are dealing with).

Follow original manual for maintenance

Despite the fact that you are opting for preventive maintenance plan for safeguarding your equipments and assets, yet it makes sense in following the manual of the original manufacturer of assets as per the specifications.

Plan for long term maintenance

The main aim of implementing the plan is to prevent the incidence of breakdown as much as possible. You must know under what circumstances, the asset or the machinery might fail to perform. Most importantly, if you have many types of equipment that require attention, you can take equipment at a time instead of rushing into including all of them in your maintenance schedule all at once.

Short term goals matter too

As mentioned above, you must set your goals for long term maintenance schedule and investment, planning for short term maintenance plan is equally important. These quick fixes will usually prevent an immediate impending threat that renders your productivity or company’s output at stake.

Grow skills

Now that you know which individual will perform what role, it is equally important to train them on a regular basis so that they are able to stay abreast with the latest developments that are trending in the market.

Last but not the least, perseverance and positive attitude can help you go a long way as far as personnel management and skill enhancement is concerned.